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Master of Library & Information Studies

The purpose of the Master of Library and Information Studies is to prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to become highly proficient librarians, media specialists, and information authorities.

Master of Library & Information Studies with Concentration in School Librarianship

The Masters in Library and Information Studies with a Concentration in School Librarianship is for licensed teachers seeking to add a school library endorsement to a teaching license.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MLIS Program, students will be able to:

  1. Create innovative responses to the needs and interests of diverse and global communities.
  2. Demonstrate leadership attributes for a variety of information environments.
  3. Interpret and apply basic and applied research to improve their professional practice.
  4. Access, synthesize, and evaluate information to assist information seekers.
  5. Integrate evolving technologies and theories that underpin their design, application, and use with library and information services.
  6. Analyze current and historical trends to forecast future directions of the library and information field.
  7. Create a plan for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

Course Requirements

Plans of Study:

All plans of study should be created in consultation with a faculty advisor and are to be approved by the Graduate Program Director by the student's 12th credit hour in the MLIS program.

Core Courses (12 credits)

LIBS 608 Foundations in Library and Information Science
LIBS 658 Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections
LIBS 674 Management and Leadership in Library and Information Sciences
LIBS 677 Knowledge Organization and Information Access

Area of Concentration (9 credits)*

Course 1 Relevant to the chosen pathway
Course 2 Relevant to the chosen pathway
Course 3 Relevant to the chosen pathway

Electives (6 credits)*

Course 1 - Your Choice
Course 1 - Your Choice

Internship (3 credits)

LIBS 668 Internship

* Pathway and elective courses are subject to the approval of the program advisor and Graduate Program Director

Core Courses (12 credits)

LIBS 608 Foundations in Library and Information Science
LIBS 658 Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections
LIBS 674 Management and Leadership in Library and Information Sciences
LIBS 677 Knowledge Organization and Information Access

School Library Endorsement (9 credits)

LIBS 602 Production of Instructional Materials
LIBS 676 Library Media Services and the Curriculum

Literature Requirement - select one:

LIBS 642 Children's Literature Across the Curriculum, PK-8
LIBS 644 Literature and Media for Young Adults

Electives (6 credits)

Course 1 - Your Choice with advising
Course 2 - Your Choice with advising

Internship (3 credits)

LIBS 669 Internship

Core Courses (12 credits)

LIBS 608 Foundations in Library and Information Science
LIBS 658 Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections
LIBS 674 Management and Leadership in Library and Information Sciences
LIBS 677 Knowledge Organization and Information Access

School Library Endorsement (12 credits)

LIBS 602 Production of Instructional Materials
LIBS 676 Library Media Services and the Curriculum
LIBS 655 Methods & Strategies for the School Library

Literature Rquirement - select one:

LIBS 642 Children's Literature Across the Curriculum, PK-8
LIBS 644 Literature and Media for Young Adults

Professional Education Courses (12 credits)

TLED 608 Foundation of Education and Instruction
TLED 640 Classroom Management
SPED 613 Human Growth and Development
READ 680 Reading Across the Curriculum

Internship (6 credits)

LIBS 668 Internship

MLIS Pathways:

The MLIS Program offers several pathways for the general MLIS degree through which students may focus their studies. The information provided here suggests courses from the program and elsewhere at ODU that may fulfill pathways for the general degree. All pathways should be created in consultation with a faculty advisor.

LIBS 612: Research Methods in Library & Information Studies
LIBS 654: Information Literacy Instruction
LIBS 656: User Services & Programming
LIBS 680: Culturally Responsive Librarianship
LIBS 681: Assessment & Evaluation in Library & Information Science
LIBS 690: Seminar in Academic Libraries

LIBS 642: Children's Literature Across the Curriculum
LIBS 644: Literature & Media for Young Adults
LIBS 647: Reading & Literature for Adults
LIBS 656: User Services & Programming
LIBS 680: Culturally Responsive Librarianship
LIBS 681: Assessment & Evaluation in Library & Information Science
LIBS 691: Seminar in Public Libraries

LIBS 612: Research Methods in Library & Information
LIBS 681: Assessment & Evaluation in Library & Information Science
LIBS 684: Advanced Library Management

FOUND 813: Program Evaluation in Education

IDT 739: Needs Analysis & Assessment

LIBS 603: Online Resources for Teaching
LIBS 654: Information Literacy Instruction

IDT 749: Instructional Systems Design (considered intro to ID and a prereq for others)
IDT 773: Advanced Instructional Design

Internship Opportunities

REQUEST A DEMO

Completion of a 160-hour internship is a requirement for all graduates of the MLIS Program. After meeting eligibility requirements, students are placed in an appropriate information setting, aligned to their personal and professional goals. The internship is an opportunity to focus on learning experiences and authentic professional engagement alongside other professionals in the field. During the internship experience, students document their progress toward meeting their goals and reflect on their personal and professional growth. Additionally, they develop and plan a project developed to measure impact for data-driven decision making.

Students pursuing a certification for School Library Media may have additional requirements for the internship.

American Library Association Accreditation Seal

Accreditation

The Master of Library and Information Studies Program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2028.